Julia Rose

September 24, 2018

13 Reasons Why



 13 Reasons Why, the netflix show that came out with a new season earlier this year, is causing a lot of controversy. Many parents, professionals, and even students are concerned about the storyline with this new popular series and think their teens should not be watching it. The story tells about a 17 year old girl, hannah baker, who commits suicide and blames others for what happen. She purposely leaves  tapes for the thirteen people who she blames for her decision to end her life. It shows very graphic details for example it shows hannah self harming herself and committing suicide.

  Also it shows her getting sexually assaulted several times and shows others getting severely bullied. This may be a little too much for teens to handle some parents say. They want to think and act like this doesn’t happen in real life but in reality it does and needs to be noticed. “Experts are concerned that the show glamorizes suicide and might encourage suicide-susceptible teens to copycat Hannah’s behavior.”

  People with mental health issues can be really triggered by watching the show. It is all over social media and the cast/subject appear on news channels. It’s almost everywhere and you can’t not hear about it.

  Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. of all ages and is the third cause of death for ages 15-24 in america. The show actually had to put warnings in the description after it came out because it was so triggering. This worries teens because they are scared the bullying could happen to them or even  it is just scary to think about it happening to someone else. High school and the people in it is a dangerous place and you never know what is happening behind the scenes.

  Psychiatrist have a problem with the series as well because “The problem with “13 Reasons Why” is that it shows you that when you’re in trouble as a teenager, there is no help, you’re hopeless and that suicide is glamorous and effective — that’s not the message we want them to have” says Koplewicz who was on the Today’s show publicizing his view on the show. On the other hand, some psychiatrists think it is good for the series to be aired so people will pay more attention to the importance of mental health, suicide, and bullying.

 Selena Gomez is one of the producers of 13 reasons why and she said “They have to see something that’s going to shake them. They have to see something that’s frightening. … I want them to understand it. …” She has been through issues herself by battling with depression and anxiety that’s why she wanted to take on this series. She has gotten a lot of hate and mixed reviews about it from her fans.

  Lastly, I also have mixed reviews about it but I definitely think if you suffer from a mental illness you should not watch it if you’re triggered easily. Know yourself and what you can handle. If you don’t have a mental illness then yes I would like people to watch it and know what people go through that is often hidden from the public.